Heavenly Monkey :: letterpress & binding studio

Over the past decade, Barbara Hodgson has established a reputation as an author of both fiction and non-fiction books whose narratives are embroidered by her own inventive typography, collages and original art. But known only to her personal correspondents are the postage stamps she has produced as well, often in conjunction with the publication of a new book. With just enough of the earliest stamps still available to make up 35 complete sets, HM was pleased to be publishing a book collecting all 10 of Hodgson's stamps issued to date.

"Getting mail delivered for free may have been the original purpose of faking stamps, but stamp artists are not out to deprive the post office of revenue. Their purpose is to carry the deceit far enough to earn a cancellation while dispatching their images around the world." - from the author's introduction to EXPRESSed.

The book (3.25 x 5.25 inches, 28 pp) features the stamps tipped to verso pages, with each facing recto presenting a brief commentary by Hodgson. In addition, she has created 10 appropriate (and equally bogus) postmarks with which the stamps will be (roughly) cancelled. The text was set in Gill Sans and Bembo, and printed with the handpress on Rives Lightweight.

Due to the limited number of her earliest stamps still available, the edition consists of just 35 copies, signed by Hodgson. The first five each include two pieces of original art used to create one of the stamps. These samples are sewn into the binding, and accompanied by a brief handwritten description of the pieces by Hodgson. The copies are extra bound in full leather by Claudia Cohen.

The remaining 30 copies were stitched up at HM: sewn on tapes and put into a limp case made from Reg Lissel's transparent vellum paper, lined with a printed sheet, and issued in a slipcase. These copies are priced at US$450.

Out of print upon publication. Please see our regular booksellers for copies available. The images below show the art that will be included in the first five copies.

No Place for a Lady

Opium

Italy Out of Hand

Lives of Shadows

Hippolyte's Island

HEAVENLY MONKEY

Dreaming of East (2005)

No Place for a Lady (2001)

Opium: Portrait of the Heavenly Demon (1999)

The Aurora Islands, featured in Hippolyte's Island (2001)

Collage from Italy Out of Hand (2005)

Italy Out of Hand (2005)

The Lives of Shadows (2004)

Hippolyte's Island (2001)

Over the past decade, Barbara Hodgson has established a reputation as an author of both fiction and non-fiction books whose narratives are embroidered by her own inventive typography, collages and original art. But known only to her personal correspondents are the postage stamps she has produced as well, often in conjunction with the publication of a new book. With just enough of the earliest stamps still available to make up 35 complete sets, HM was pleased to be publishing a book collecting all 10 of Hodgson's stamps issued to date. "Getting mail delivered for free may have been the original purpose of faking stamps, but stamp artists are not out to deprive the post office of revenue. Their purpose is to carry the deceit far enough to earn a cancellation while dispatching their images around the world." - from the author's introduction to EXPRESSed. The book (3.25 x 5.25 inches, 28 pp) features the stamps tipped to verso pages, with each facing recto presenting a brief commentary by Hodgson. In addition, she has created 10 appropriate (and equally bogus) postmarks with which the stamps will be (roughly) cancelled. The text was set in Gill Sans and Bembo, and printed with the handpress on Rives Lightweight. Due to the limited number of her earliest stamps still available, the edition consists of just 35 copies, signed by Hodgson. The first five each include two pieces of original art used to create one of the stamps. These samples are sewn into the binding, and accompanied by a brief handwritten description of the pieces by Hodgson. The copies are extra bound in full leather by Claudia Cohen. The remaining 30 copies were stitched up at HM: sewn on tapes and put into a limp case made from Reg Lissel's transparent vellum paper, lined with a printed sheet, and issued in a slipcase. These copies are priced at US$450. Out of print upon publication. Please see our regular booksellers for copies available. The images below show the art that will be included in the first five copies. No Place for a Lady Opium Italy Out of Hand Italy Out of Hand Lives of Shadows Hippolyte's Island HEAVENLY MONKEY	Dreaming of East (2005) No Place for a Lady (2001) No Place for a Lady (2001) Opium: Portrait of the Heavenly Demon (1999) The Aurora Islands, featured in Hippolyte's Island (2001) Collage from Italy Out of Hand (2005) Italy Out of Hand (2005) The Lives of Shadows (2004) Hippolyte's Island (2001)